A media literacy site for parents and educators.

Stereotype

“A stereotype is an oversimplified and usually value-laden view of the attitudes, behavior and expectations of a group or individual. Such views, which may be deeply embedded in sexist, racist, or otherwise prejudiced cultures, are typically highly resistant to change, and play a significant role in shaping the attitudes of members of the culture to others” (Edgar and Sedgwick 335-336).

Stereotypes are prevalent in all forms of media. Stereotypes are harmful because they reduce a group of people down to once concept rather than as individuals with differences. For example, it is a common stereotype that all Asians have high IQ’s and are good at math.